Tampa vs Pittsburgh: Predictions, Odds and Betting Tips

In what could be a preview of the Eastern Conference final, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.

Predictions

While it is still early days, the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the current playoff picture. Most expect them to turn things around and be near the top of the Metropolitan Division come April, but it has to start happening sooner than later.

They have struggled at home, winning just three of their opening eight games at PPG Arena and will be looking to improve on that record when the Tampa Bay Lightning come to town. They have won just one of their last five games on home ice, but shut out the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday Night in Pittsburgh with Casey DeSmith stopping 39 shots. They will have a much more daunting task against the Lightning though.

Tampa Bay sit comfortably atop the Atlantic Division and have lost just one of their first seven games on the road in regulation time. They just had a four-game win streak snapped on Saturday night by the Ottawa Senators, but they won’t let that result rattle them too much.

They have been firing on all cylinders with 63 goals through their first 17 games – no team in the entire NHL has found the back of the net more often. It hasn’t just been their top line producing either, with a remarkable seven players collecting at least 10 points already. Unlikely hero, Brayden Point has been leading the way with nine goals and 19 points. They have more than enough firepower to make it a long night for their hosts.

Betting Tips

Over

The Tampa Bay Lightning have the most potent offense in the league at the moment and it’s hard to see this game not hitting the over when you consider Pittsburgh’s form on home ice.

Tampa Bay Lightning to win

While it’s never easy to go into the PPG Paints Arena – even if Pittsburgh is struggling – Tampa Bay has been nearly unstoppable to start the campaign and have been terrific on the road.

Statistics

Head to Head

Tampa Bay took two of three games they played against the Penguins last season, but both victories were on home ice.

Stats

Tampa Bay are 8-9 ATS through their first 17 games.

Tampa Bay has hit both the over and under 8 times through their first 17 games.

Pittsburgh is 6-9 through their first 15 games of the season.

Pittsburgh has hit the over just five times in their first 15 games of the season.

About the Author

John Abram is a passionate sports fanatic who follows all things NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAAF, NCAAB. A former sports trader, John has an unquestioned thirst for sports knowledge and often fills his time playing fantasy or placing wagers online.